Lisbon Treaty Bill will reaffirm neutrality

The Government is to propose a constitutional provision to copperfasten Ireland's military neutrality in the Lisbon Treaty referendum. This is aimed at forestalling attempts by the No side to raise fears on the issue. Deaglán de Bréadún , Political Correspondent, reports.

It had been hoped to put a simple declaration before the people committing the State to the terms of the treaty but, on legal advice, the proposal will now consist of six new constitutional provisions, described as "very comprehensive" and extending over "two pages of text".

One of the changes proposed will declare that Ireland will not be part of any common European defence arrangements. A similar provision was inserted after the second referendum on the Nice Treaty in 2002 but this will now be repealed and a revised wording inserted to take account of the Lisbon Treaty.

Fine Gael and Labour have indicated broad agreement with the terms of the referendum Bill but this has to go before the Fine Gael front bench on Tuesday morning for approval.

Although this is seen as a formality, the Government will not proceed without the support of the main Opposition party.

The most likely referendum date is Thursday, May 29th.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times